Betting Previews (mixed)

We have some fantastic sport this weekend, with Premiership fixtures such as Man City v Arsenal & Newcastle v Middlesbrough and the start of the RBS 6 Nations Tournament. We also have the superb William Hill Handicap Chase at Doncaster on Saturday.

Saturday's Premiership Football

Man City v Arsenal - Live on Sky Sports 1, k/o 12:45pm

On Saturday the Gunners visit Eastlands to face Sven Goran Eriksson's Man City, a side that remain unbeaten following 12 games on home soil in the top-flight this term. Obviously, the Citizens were punching above their weight early in the campaign when they topped the table for a few weeks, but while they've predictably failed to match strides with Arsenal, Chelsea and their neighbours United as the season has progressed, the City of Manchester outfit are a respectable seventh in the Premiership, just two points adrift of fourth-placed Everton. The flair of Hleb and Rosicky, allied with Fabregas' skill and vision, not to mention the effervescent Flamini and striker Emmanuel Adebayor in red-hot form, makes Arsenal irresistible to back. Considering Arsenal's consistency this season, bookies have priced them as favourites for this match, with Better offering 8/11 on a win for the Premiership side. Man City have been priced at 16/5 (Centrebet) to continue their winning home form.

BGbet are offering to refund all losing first goalscorer bets on Man City v Arsenal if Cesc Fabregas scores at anytime in this match.

Liverpool v Sunderland - Live on Setanta Sports 1, k/o 5:15pm

For title contenders, Liverpool have drawn far too many of their home games. Those six draws include matches with Birmingham and Wigan, who sit on the same points as Sunderland. After the events of last weekend's FA Cup game against non league Havant and the midweek defeat to West Ham, Liverpool will be desperate to produce a more credible performance in front of the Kop. The Black Cats' record is poor but they have made it difficult for the better teams in the Premiership on their travels with single goal defeats at United and Arsenal. With Liverpool playing at home, bookmakers have priced them as favourites, with VC Bet offering 1 /4 on a home win, whereas Sunderland have been given long odds of 8/1 (Better) to produce a big shock and snatch all 3 points at Anfield.Liverpool to Win 1/4 VC BetDraw 4/1 CentrebetSunderland to Win 8/1 Better

BGbet are offering to refund all losing first goalscorer bets on Liverpool v Sunderland if Steven Gerrard scores at anytime in this match.

Sunday's Premiership Football

Newcastle v Middlesbrough - Live on Sky Sports 1, k/o 1:30pm

The big match on Sunday sees the return of the Tyne Tees derby when Newcastle hosts Middlesbrough at St. James' Park. The Keegan revolution hasn't quite got off the ground yet with a 0-0 home draw against Bolton followed by two consecutive 3-0 defeats to Arsenal, which means so far that Keegan has yet to see his team score, let alone win. The instability at St. James' doesn't look like ending anytime soon, with the surprising recruitment of Dennis Wise having only further fuelled the uncertainty. Boro's form has improved in recent weeks, resulting in the win and draw against Portsmouth and Blackburn respectively - both teams are higher placed than Newcastle. Meanwhile, Newcastle's home record against teams below them seems to be respectable enough, but the two draws were their last two home matches against Derby and Bolton - both teams below Boro in the table. The bookies believe this will be a close affair, however Newcastle have been priced as favourites at 20/21 (Centrebet), meanwhile Boro have been priced at 2/1 by VC Bet to get a priceless away win.

BGbet are offering to refund all losing first goalscorer bets on Newcastle v Middlesbrough if Alan Smith scores at anytime in this match.

Fulham v Aston Villa - Live on Sky Sports 1, k/o 4:00pm

A result in this game is imperative for Fulham, who have not won in the Premiership since early November, a dreadful run and one which Fulham will hope to end against Villa. Aston Villa have performed brilliantly this season, and as a result they find themselves in serious contention for a coveted Champions League position. Villa have not tasted defeat since early December and you can guarantee that O'Neill's men will go all out to ensure that doesn't happen against Fulham. Bearing this in mind, bookmakers have placed Aston Villa as favourites, pricing them at 5/4 (Better) to get the away win, while VC Bet have priced Fulham at 21/10 to reinstall some pride at Craven Cottage.

BGbet are offering to refund all losing first goalscorer bets on Fulham v Aston Villa if Gareth Barry scores at anytime in this match.

Rugby Six Nations Tournament

This weekend sees the start of the RBS Six Nations tournament, and it's going to be as exciting as ever! England will be hoping to make up for their Rugby World Cup disappointment after losing in the final to South Africa. But can they pip France, last year's Six Nations champions, to the trophy? The tournament kicks off with England v Wales at Twickenham, Ireland v Italy at Croke Park and Scotland v France at Murrayfield.

BGbet are running a fantastic 6 Nations special - place a bet on the first or last tryscorer for any of the following 6 Nations games and if the player listed below scores the last try, BGbet will refund all losing first or last tryscorer stakes on that match.*

This Saturday sees the exciting William Hill Handicap Chase at Doncaster, with 36 top runners in this event, you can be sure this will be a fantastic race. L'Antartique, one of the favourites for the Gold Cup at Cheltenham this year, will be hoping for another good performance in preparation of the Festival in over 6 weeks time.

BGbet are running a great refund offer on this race. If your horse falls during The William Hill Chase, BGbet will refund your stakes in the form of free bets.**

Open an account with any of the following bookmakers and receive a free bet:VC Bet £100 in Free Bets BGbet £100 Free BetBetterbet £25 Free Bet Centrebet £20 Free Bet

Premiership Betting - Matchday 23 Preview by Pinnacle Sports

60% Better Premiership Betting Odds at PinnacleSports.comPremiership Betting - Matchday 26 Preview (Feb 2-3)As the first Premiership fixtures of February approach, the table is becoming increasingly stretched, with a massive forty-nine points separating the teams at the top and bottom. January transfer activity is complete so teams must stand or fall with their revised squads, but its look like being a three horse-race for the title, and a blanket finish for relegation, with almost half the table in potential jeopardy. Make sure you take advantage of up to 60% better Premiership betting odds at PinnacleSports.com.

Spurs Need to Reverse FA Cup Form With Man Utd

Tottenham entertain Manchester United at White Hart Lane on Saturday afternoon, looking to reverse the form of the recent FA Cup meeting at Old Trafford. The Red Devils ran out comfortable 3-1 winners, despite going behind to an early Robbie Keane goal. It was United's ninth win in their last ten games, and continued their dominance over the Londoners. Spurs last beat Man Utd in 2001, a run of 14 games, but they did recently end an equally long jinx held by their neighbours, Arsenal, showing records are there to be broken.

Spurs' coach, Juande Ramos, has had his first opportunity to mould his own squad in the January transfer window. The Spaniard has clearly focused on problems in defensive areas, signing Alan Hutton and Jonathan Woodgate to help plug the worse home defence in the Premiership (joint with Fulham). Woody made an immediate impact with a man-of-the-match performance in the 0-0 midweek draw at Everton. The home crowd will hope for a continuation of recent home form, AS Tottenham have won four straight at the Lane scoring 15 goals. PinnacleSports.com price Man Utd 1.926 (-0.5)* with Spurs 2.000 (+0.5)* ? a market priced to less than 102%.

Man City's Unbeaten Home Record to Be Tested by Gunners

Manchester City have survived 12 games at their Eastlands Stadium this season without being beaten. That run includes the visit of Liverpool and rivals Man Utd, neither of whom managed to score. Arsenal will provide another severe test of City's resolve when they visit on Saturday. Though their unbeaten home record remains intact, the Laser Blues' form has dropped of late, drawing the last three at the City of Manchester, and failing to beat bottom club Derby on Wednesday night. That blip has coincided with a dip in form of key playmaker Elano, who has suffered from minor injury, and becoming a marked man.

This is the kind of high profile game that the Brazilian should relish, up against the likes of Cesc Fabregas, one of Europe's best attacking midfielders. Similar to Elano, Fabregas has had a quiet start to 2008, but did get on the score-sheet Tuesday night against Newcastle, signally a return to form. The Gunners have gone eight Premiership games unbeaten and Emmanuel Adebayor is on fire scoring six goals in as many games. However, bettors should bear in mind that Arsenal lost this fixture 1-0 last season. PinnacleSports.com make Arsenal marginal favourites 1.893 (-0.5)* with 2.040 (+0.5)*.

1.96/1.96 style pricing (c.102%) and Live-betting on the major European Football Leagues gives gamblers up to 60% better Premiership odds right up to the final whistle. PinnacleSports.com offers commission-free fixed odds betting with exchange style pricing, as well as the web?s highest guaranteed liquidity and fastest payouts.

Get a 10% sign-up bonus, 7% cash back on horse bets and the best odds on all major sports.

Betting midweek preview (Premier League)

We have some fantastic live football this week, with Sunderland v Birmingham on Tuesday night and Man Utd v Portsmouth on Wednesday.

Tuesday's Live Premiership Football

Sunderland v Birmingham ? Live on Sky Sports 2, k/o 8:00pm

This Tuesday sees the clash between relegation contenders Sunderland and Birmingham at the Stadium of Light. With both teams on 20 points and only goal difference separating them, you can be sure that this is a game that either side dare not lose. Both teams are finding life difficult in the Premiership and a win here and three points would be a real boost for either side. Sunderland come into the game with six points from their last six games, having beaten Portsmouth and fellow strugglers Bolton. Birmingham on the other hand, have got five points from their last six games, winning one and drawing two. The bookies are at odds as to who are favourites for this match, with Centrebet offering 11/8 on a home win, however, Better price Birmingham as favourites at 1/1. It looks like this game is most likely to end in a draw, but this might be worth a punt for the more adventurous better.Sunderland to Win 5/4 VC BetDraw 9/4 CentrebetBirmingham to Win 1/1 Better

BGbet are offering to refund all losing first goalscorer bets on Sunderland v Birmingham if Andrew Cole scores at anytime in this match.

Wednesday's Premiership Football

Man Utd v Portsmouth ? Live on Sky Sports 2, k/o 8:00pm

League leaders Man Utd go into this match with confidence riding high after consecutively winning their last five games, scoring 14 goals and conceding one in the process. United are the in-form team at the moment, with Ronaldo and co. destroying all opposition before them and Sir Alex will be expecting to continue this winning sequence against Portsmouth. Harry Redknapp's side have surprised many this campaign; however their recent form has seen them slip down to ninth recently, a direct consequence of losing so many first team members to the African Cup of Nations. Considering United's consistency this season, bookmakers have priced them as favourites, with VC Bet offering 2/7 on another home win for the Red Devils, whereas Portsmouth have been given odds of 8/1 (Better) to produce a big shock and take all 3 points from Old Trafford.

VC Bet have a fantastic midweek enhanced special; 12/1 odds if all table toppers from each English football division (Man Utd, West Brom, Swansea & MK Dons) win during midweek.

Open an account with any of the following bookmakers and receive a free bet:VC Bet £100 in Free Bets BGbet £100 Free BetBetterbet £25 Free Bet Centrebet £20 Free Bet

FA Cup weekend betting by Sportingbet

One of the most exciting weekends of the English football season takes place this weekend as the FA Cup 4th Round opens it doors. There are a number of great ties and some fantastic betting opportunities over the next few days.

Arsenal 7/20 Draw 10/3 Newcastle 13/2

Can Kevin Keegan inspire Newcastle to an unlikely win over an Arsenal side nursing their wounds after their heavy defeat to Spurs on Tuesday?

Liverpool 1/100 Draw 9/1 Havant & W 80/1

It's the biggest day in the history of Havant & Waterlooville as they travel to Anfield looking to cause the biggest upset in FA Cup history.

Wigan 5/1 Draw 11/4 Chelsea 1/2

Fresh from reaching the Carling Cup Final Chelsea now look to move into the FA Cup 5th Round with an away match against struggling Wigan.

Man Utd 2/5 Draw 16/5 Tottenham 23/4

After Tottenham's emphatic 5-1 defeat of Arsenal midweek can Juande Ramos' side create another big shock by knocking the Premier League champions out of the FA Cup?

Sheff Utd 11/4 Draw 9/4 Man City 9/10

The final FA Cup match of the weekend is live on Sky Sports 1. Can Championship side Sheffield United cause a shock by knocking out high-flying Manchester City.

Elsewhere this weekend:Men's Australian Open Final ? Can Jo-Wilfried Tsonga cause a huge surprise?

Africa Cup Of Nations ? Tunisia face South Africa in the match of the weekend.

Buick Invitational ? Tiger is back! Can he claim a maiden win in 2008?

Sportingbet will be offering all new customers up to £100 in Free Bets.

Premier League Football Betting Preview

Bet on this Weekend's Premier League Football

We have some exciting Premiership football this weekend, with Newcastle v Bolton, Wigan v Everton, Man City v West Ham and Liverpool v Aston Villa. We also have the fantastic Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot on Saturday.

Saturday's Premiership Football

Newcastle v Bolton - Live on Setanta Sports 1, k/o 5:15pm

The weekend's Premiership action kicks off with a battle of the bottom half as Newcastle face Bolton at St. James' Park. Newcastle's woes seem to continue of late, with the shock departure of Sam Allardyce preceding the humiliating 6-0 hammering at the hands of Man United, the Magpies will be desperate to give their home fans something to cheer about. Bolton have steadily improved under Gary Megson, having picked up 12 points since his arrival at the end of October. However, Bolton are notoriously fragile on their travels and you'd favour Newcastle to gain their first Premiership win in five games. As a result, bookies have placed Newcastle as favourites for this match, with Betterbet offering odds of 10/11 on a Magpies win, Bolton have been given odds of 7/2 (VC Bet) to gain their first away win since September.

BGbet are offering to refund all losing first goalscorer bets on Newcastle v Bolton if Kevin Davies scores at anytime in this match.

Sunday's Premiership Football

Wigan v Everton - Live on Sky Sports 1, k/o 1:30pm

Wigan go into this match with confidence riding high after picking up 14 points from their last 7 games, including important wins against relegation rivals Derby and Sunderland. Everton have been in impressive form this season and find themselves with a real chance of qualifying for the illustrious Champions League place, and their current form has seen them acquire 12 points from the last 7 Premiership games. With both sides in winning form, expect this to be a highly contested and entertaining game of football. Considering Everton's consistency this season, bookmakers have priced them as favourites, with Centrebet offering 11/8 on an away win for the Toffees, whereas Wigan have been given odds of 15/8 (Betterbet) to get all 3 points.Wigan to Win 1/1 VC BetDraw 11/5 CentrebetEverton to Win 5/4 Betterbet

BGbet are offering to refund all losing first goalscorer bets on Wigan v Everton if Yakubu scores at anytime in this match.

Man City v West Ham - Live on Sky Sports 1, k/o 4:00pm

This game will be the second time these two teams meet in the space of 4 days, having played against each other midweek in the FA Cup; that game finished 1-0 to City thanks to an Elano goal. Man City's resurgence as a top Premiership team has been staggering this season, with the Sven revolution coming into fruitition in quicker time than anyone could have anticipated. However they have stumbled of late, having recorded only one win in the last 6 Premiership games. West Ham's performances this season haven't defied the expectations of a mid-table team, with the highlight the 2-1 defeat of Man United in December. The pressure is on Alan Curbishley to earn a coveted European place come the end of the season. With the midweek result in mind, bookmakers have placed Man City as favourites, pricing them at 9/10 (VC Bet) to win again, while Centrebet have priced West Ham at 16/5 to avenge their FA Cup defeat.

BGbet are offering to refund all losing first goalscorer bets on Man City v West Ham if Carlton Cole scores at anytime in this match.

Monday's Premiership Football

Liverpool v Aston Villa - Live on Setanta Sports 1, k/o 8:00pm

This game presents a clash of the Champions League hopefuls, with both Liverpool and Villa tied on 39 points. Once again, Liverpool's title challenge has come unstuck due to inconsistent performances in the Premiership, with the Reds dropping points against the likes of Middlesbrough and Wigan. Martin O'Neil has been able to build upon his team of last season and has transformed them into genuine contenders for fourth place, with Villa scoring the most goals outside of the top two. Liverpool have been priced as favourites for this match, with bookies such as Betterbet offering odds of 4/7 on a home win, while Villa have been priced at 11/2 (Centrebet) to collect 3 points. With both teams desperate to secure fourth place, expect this to be a match that disappoints few and entertains many.

BGbet are offering to refund all losing correct score bets on all the live Premiership games this weekend if they finish with a 0-0 scoreline.

Weekend RacingThis weekend sees the annual Victor Chandler Chase, another precursor to the penultimate National Hunt fixture, the Cheltenham Festival. It's a chance for Cheltenham contender Twist Magic to continue his good form in the run up to the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

To celebrate the 20th running, the 1st as a Grade One, of the Victor Chandler Chase, VC Bet will be running their famous Free Fall offer. If your selection falls, VC Bet will refund your losing stake as a free bet!

Open an account with any of the following bookmakers and receive a free bet:

Premiership Betting - Matchday 23 Preview by Pinnacle Sports

The biggest Premiership story of the week is without doubt the re-appointment of Kevin Keegan as Newcastle United's manager. Keegan, who was a legend as a player at the club and went on to manage the Magpies from 1992-97, is a shock replacement for Sam Allardyce, who recently became the league's eighth managerial casualty. Saturday's match at St.James Park will now be the focus of intense media attention, but if you fancy a bet on the game, take advantage of 60% better Premiership betting odds at PinnacleSports.com.

United & Reading Likely to Serve Up Goals

Saturday's game at the Madejski Stadium between Reading and Manchester United looks as close as you can get for a banker for goals. The Royals have the worst defensive record in the Premiership (joint with Derby) while no club has scored more goals than the visitors. The Red Devils gave their goal-scoring tally a healthy boost last weekend, smashing six second half goals past hapless Newcastle, with Cristiano Ronaldo ? the division's top scorer ? bagging his first hat-trick for the club.

United crept past Arsenal last weekend to top the Premiership, courtesy of their excellent goal difference, and Alex Ferguson will want to keep them their with three points in Berkshire. Steve Coppell's side were beaten 1-0 at home by Spurs in their midweek FA Cup replay, but he has made no secret of his indifference to that competition. Survival in a difficult second season is his priority, which could prove a challenge on recent form. The Royals have lost three straight in the league conceding eleven, and transfer rumours hang over several of their key players. PinnacleSports.com price Reading underdogs 2.110 (+1 & +1.5) with Manchester United 1.826 (-1 & -1.5). Bettors should note however, that in five recent meetings of the clubs, Reading have drawn three, and lost the other two games by an identical 3-2 score.

Keegan Returns to Call the Toon on Tyneside

Kevin Keegan's shock return to Newcastle United on Wednesday, elevates the weekend's game against Bolton ? an otherwise fairly unappealing fixture ? to top billing on the Premiership fixture list. During his previous stint at the club, Keegan famously saw his side relinquish a 12 point in the title race, handing the title to United. That is the closest Geordies have come to heaven in the club's recent history, and it appears that owner, Mike Ashley, has faith in Keegan's personality and charisma, which he hopes will be translated onto the pitch.

Keegan moved from Newcastle to Fulham, England and then Man City, after which he stated that nothing would tempt him back into football management. Some see as his appointment of the ex-European Player of the Year as the heart ruling the head at Newcastle, but Keegan's presence on Wednesday night inspired the Magpies to a 4-1 FA Cup win over Stoke. Staurday evening's game against Bolton now assumes greater significance, which is probably bad news for the Trotters. They have lost four of their last five games, are without an away win all season and their star striker ? Nicolas Anelka ? has gone to Chelsea, so the heightened atmosphere at an expectant St.James Park will make it difficult for Wanderers to end that poor run. PinnacleSports.com make Newcastle favourites 1.980 (-0.5) with Bolton 1.943 (+0.5).

1.96/1.96 style pricing (c.102%) and Live-betting on the major European Football Leagues gives gamblers up to 60% better Premiership odds right up to the final whistle. PinnacleSports.com offers commission-free fixed odds betting with exchange style pricing, as well as the web?s highest guaranteed liquidity and fastest payouts.

Get a 10% sign-up bonus, 7% cash back on horse bets and the best odds on all major sports.

FA Cup Betting Preview (5/6 January 2008)

Bet on this Weekend's FA Cup Football

It is FA Cup action this week with the introduction of the premiership sides to the third round. With Chasetown and Havant & Waterlooville the only non league clubs left in the competition there is interest away from the premiership heavy weights. In a repeat of last years draw Aston Villa take on Manchester United at Villa Park on Saturday afternoon. Sunday sees Burnley entertain the premiership leaders Arsenal at Turf Moor, Luton host Liverpool at Kenilworth Road and Stoke hope to inflict more pressure on Sam Allardyce at the Victoria Ground.

Saturday's FA Cup Football

Aston Villa v Manchester United - Live on BBC 1, k/o 17:15pm

Aston Villa are looking to progress into the fourth round for only the second time in six years. They have won their last two, after five without a win. The last time Villa beat Man Utd was in 1957 when they went on to lift the trophy. However Villa Park is like a second home to Man Utd with ten successive victories, six in the league and four in the cup, including an impressive 4-1 win this season. Man Utd also go into the game on a good run of form with seven victories and one loss in their last eight. If Villa wins it will be the first time Sir Alex Ferguson has lost in the third round after 21 years.Aston Villa to Win 10/3 BetterbetDraw 23/10 VC BetMan Utd to Win 17/20 Centrebet

Sunday's FA CupFootball

Burnley v Arsenal - Live on BBC 1, k/o 14:00pm

Burnley are looking to cause a cup upset and beat Arsenal who are 30 league places ahead of them. The clarets go into the game with one win in eight and on the back of a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Blackpool. This is in contrast to the Gunners who go into the game with seven victories out of eight. Arsenal are starting to see the finishing ability of Eduardo with three in his last two games so Betterbet offering 4/1 first goal scorer seems good value. Punters who like taking an outside chance may want to take advantage of the fact that Arsenal have conceded first in 7 Premiership matches and back Burnley's top goalscorer Andy Gray to score first at 10/1 (VC Bet).

BGbet are offering to refund all losing first goalscorer bets on the Burnley v Arsenal game if Theo Walcott scores at anytime in this match.

Luton v Liverpool - Live on Sky Sports 1, k/o 16:00pm

The last time Liverpool faced Luton it was an eight goal thriller. Three goals in 11 second half minutes rescued Liverpool, who had gone 3-1 down. Also one of Liverpool's five goals was scored by Xabi Alonso from fully 60 yards. Luton's form is solid at home with four straight victories. The last time they lost at home was a 1-0 fourth round loss to Everton in the Carling Cup. Liverpool are 60 places higher than Luton in the league standing but are not on the best of form. They are unbeaten in four but have only drawn the last two games. Luton are big underdog with Centrebet offering 10/1 and Liverpool are strong favourites with BGbet offering 1/4.

BGbet are offering to refund all losing first goalscorer bets on Luton v Liverpool game if Steven Gerrard scores at anytime in this match.

Stoke v Newcastle - Live on BBC 1, k/o 18:00pm

With the pressure on Sam Allardyce mounting this is a must win game for Newcastle. Although Newcastle are thirteen places high than Stoke in the league standing they go into the game on the back of three defeats and one draw. However Newcastle has never lost to Stoke in the FA Cup after 5 meetings. Stoke are undefeated in ten having won and drawn five times. Stoke have also been beaten by premiership opposition in five out of the last six campaigns. Newcastle are favourites to win with Centrebet offer 13/10 with VC Bet offering 21/10 for Stoke to win.

If any of the above Live FA Cup Games finish in a 0-0 draw BGbet will refund all losing correct score bets on that game.

Open an account with any of the following bookmakers and receive a free bet: